Nike Cross Country Camp Winona State University
Average Rating
StarsBe the best you can be!
2023 DATES ANNOUNCED!
The Nike Cross Country Camp at Winona State University gives middle & high school distance runners the chance to develop proper running technique in one of the finest training environments in the Midwest.
The camp is open to middle & high school XC runners of all abilities, from beginners to state champions. The only requirements needed are the desire to have fun and to be the best you can be! Our camp is designed to teach you the fundamentals of cross country. The emphasis is on providing you a great, fun-filled learning week.
Highlights Include
- Nike Running Camp T-shirt
- Trail running
- Top notch instruction from college coaches
- For ages 12-17 (Middle & High School)
- View More Details ⟩
Camp Coaches
-
Director JOHN HIBSHMAN
John Hibshman is the Winona State Warriors head coach for men's and women's cross country. Hibshman also serves as an assistant coach for the women's track & field team.
View John's Bio ⟩
Camp Details
SECURE YOUR SPOT!
You can expect a high demand on these first-come-first-serve camper spots, so please be sure to register early.
The Workouts
Runners participate in two running workouts each day. Coaches explain the benefits of workouts and how they combine to maximize your potential. The workouts do not take the place of your high school or club program. Instead, they raise your awareness about becoming a “complete runner.”
In addition, you learn race strategies, warm-up and warm-down routines, technique drills, strength training, and plyometrics. You’ll train in beautiful environment, motivated by coaches and college runners who share your passion.
The Clinics
We offer educational and motivational running clinics each day. Campers learn the fundamentals of distance training, including proper nutrition, visualization, goal setting, race techniques, flexibility, and recovery.
NCAA coaches discuss what it takes to put together championship teams and how you can use these ideas to improve your times, helping your team back home.
2023 OVERVIEW
- Dates: July 9-13
- Age Group: 12-17
- Gender: Co-ed
- Camp Type: Overnight, Day
- Meals: All meals are provided at the on-campus dining facility. Extended Day campers do NOT receive breakfast
CAMP SCHEDULE
- Check-in: Overnight campers Sunday, July 9, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM
- Check-out: All campers Thursday July 13, 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
- Extended Day Camper Schedule: Monday-Wednesday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM, Thursday 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
- Location: Conway Hall- Winona State University
- View the campus map here
All Campers should arrive at camp, prepared to run on Sunday, the 1st day of camp.
PREPARE FOR CAMP: COMPLETE YOUR PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
To view your customer account, complete your mandatory forms, pay balance dues, and review important camp information, visit Pre-Camp Checklist.
All necessary camp information is on this page. If there are any imperative changes prior to camp start, registered campers will be notified via email and this webpage will be updated!
HOUSING
- Dorm: Conway Hall
- Campers Per Room: 2
- Roommates: Guaranteed if requested 14 days prior to camp
- Bathrooms: Shared on floor
- Linens: Not provided
- Air Conditioning: No, fan recommended
- Key Deposit: $50 check made payable to US Sports Camps
Staff members reside in campers’ quarters and participate in all activities.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE FEES:
- Overnight Campers: Features several instructional sessions per day, three hot meals, and lodging in residence halls. An evening recreation program is also included.
- Day Campers: This option offers the same features as the resident camp minus lodging, breakfast, and dinner (Day Campers should eat breakfast before daily check-in).
INSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT & FACILITY
- Ratio: 1:10
- Grouped by: age, ability, current mileage, and XC experience
- Equipment needed: Campers should bring at least two pairs of broken in running shoes. Racing flats/spikes are optional. Please be sure to properly mark your equipment, so that it can be easily identified.
- Facility: Winona State University, local roads and trails
CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING:
Below is a suggested list of clothes, equipment and personal items. US Sports Camps is NOT responsible for lost or stolen articles or money.
ALL CAMPERS:
- Extra Athletic clothing
- 1-2 pairs of broken in running shoes/ event spikes
- Non-running shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunblock
- Packed lunch and snacks
- Small gym bag/backpack
- Extra spending money (suggested $40)
OVERNIGHT CAMPERS ONLY:
- Athletic clothing mentioned above
- Comfortable non-running clothing
- Underwear and socks
- Pajamas/sleepwear
- Flip flops
- Toiletries
- Personal items & medications
- Washcloth and bath towel
- Alarm clock
- Swimsuit and towel
- Flip-flops
- Pen and paper for notes during guest speakers
- Cell phone (if you have one)
- Fan (optional)
- Pillow, pillowcase, bed sheets, comforter or sleeping bag (linens are NOT provided)
- Laundry detergent
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is not provided. Campers are responsible for getting to and from camp on their own. There is no supervision before or after camp hours so please make arrangements to pick up your child on time.
MEDICAL PROTOCOL
Most camps have an athletic trainer on-site to help with illness or injury. In case of an emergency, campers will be transported to the nearest hospital.
COMPANY POLICIES
For information regarding our cancellation policy and all other company policies, please visit USSC Policies.
NIKE CROSS COUNTRY CAMP FAQ
For general questions about our Cross Country camps please see our FAQ page.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 7:00am Wake-Up (Overnight Campers)
- 7:30am Breakfast (Overnight Campers)
- 8:30am Arrival + Check-in (Day Campers)
- 9:00am Morning Run
- 10:00am Morning clinic
- 11:00am Free time + Activities/Games
- 12:00pm Lunch - WSU Dining Hall
- 1:30pm Afternoon clinic
- 2:30pm Free time
- 3:00pm Afternoon workout
- 4:00pm Check Out + Departure (Day Campers Only)
- 4:30pm Advanced clinic
- 5:30pm Dinner - WSU Dining Hall
- 7:00pm Camp activities
- 10:00pm Lights out

Our running programs take place on the beautiful campus of Winona State University. Winona is located along the most gorgeous stretch of the Mississippi River, between the limestone river bluffs that rise 500 feet above town. Campers stay and eat on campus. Runs take place at the WSU Track Complex and on nine miles of grass trails nearby.
Camp Questions & Answers
Does the Health & Release Form need to be signed by a doctor?
Our Health & Release Form does not require a doctor’s signature. This online form is required to be filled out accurately, signed by the parent (guardian), and submitted online before you arrive on the first day of camp.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Campers dine in the school cafeteria which offers a variety of different meal options that are sure to accommodate most campers’ dietary needs. In the case that a camper possesses extreme dietary restrictions, please reach out to school’s Dining Services to make the proper accommodations.
Are the campers supervised throughout the camp?
Yes, campers are supervised by the coaches and staff. Staff members reside in the same dorms as the campers and provide supervision during instruction, dining times, evening activities, and in the dorm. All staff members complete criminal and sex offender background checks before working the camp.
Can I come to camp alone or do I have to be a member of a team?
We welcome individual campers and teams. If you come to camp by yourself, we try to place you in an adjacent dorm room to another single camper, similar in age.
It's a great place to meet new friends who share your enthusiasm for the sport and to have FUN!
How many campers are placed in a dorm and do you accommodate roommate requests?
In 2022, all campers will be housed in single rooms.
When you register for camp, you have an option to submit a roommate request. If you would like to add a roommate request after registering for a camp, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]
We accommodate all roommate requests, made before 2 weeks before the start of camp, with campers being roomed side by side.
Campers who do not submit a roommate request will be roomed in a dorm close to other runners of similar age and same gender.
Camp Reviews
Submit a reviewOverall Average Rating
Stars-
Amazing experience
2022: The overall experience was amazing. My child came home and couldn't stop taking about all of it.
— Parent
-
Get out of the comfort zone
August 1, 2019: Madison really enjoyed the workouts, running with kids of all different skill levels. Although the dorm/roommate experience was daunting at first, she ended up enjoying that aspect and forced her out of her comfort zone. We live in a small town so I think the camp opened her eyes to the opportunities available through running and have her some great motivation going into this years running season!
— Caitlin L. Parent
-
Learned alot for the season
August 1, 2019: I had a great time meeting new people and running with them. I learned a lot from the seminars and will definitely be sharing that information with my team.
— Stacey H. Parent
-
Made friends
July 31, 2019: She had fun at the daily workouts and found that her group was mostly at the same level of experience. This helped her bond and make friends with the other campers her level
— Theresa L. Parent
-
Nike Running Camp is by far the best value!
July 23, 2018: Compared to other similar camps my daughter has attended, Nike Running Camp is by far the best value. We have few concerns about her safety while on a college campus, due to the outstanding staff and safety precautions, and are thrilled with the level of personal instruction she gets during the week. A no-brainer each year as we plan for summer activities. Her potluck roommate has attended previously as well, and they remembered each other. She was warmly welcomed as a returning camper by Coach Ayres.
— Amy S. Parent
-
She really liked the workshops interspersed with the workouts
July 21, 2018: Her favorite part was hearing Heather Kampf's talk and getting the signed poster. Besides that she really liked having the workshops interspersed with the workouts.
— Stacey H. Parent
-
He'll be back next summer
July 31, 2018: He had a great week at camp! Loved the schedule, the camaraderie, and learning from the pros! He'll be back next summer. He loved running and playing games and all of the evening activities.
— Nicolle H, Parent
-
Organized Camp!
The camp was well organized and the staff were friendly and encouraging!
— Lloyd Y., Camper 2017
-
Great Coaching!
The coaches were really helpful and made everything fun. It was a really enjoyable camp and a great experience. My daughter enjoyed the running skill rotations that helped me learn how to prevent injuries . Also, she enjoyed the group sessions and evening talks because they helped explain how to improve her running in a lot of different ways.
— Sonja G., Parent 2017
-
All the coaches were great!
I loved the hiking and daily competition running!
— Kade W., Camper 2017
-
My daughter became a much better runner and had fun
My daughter enjoyed the personalized attention to her running style which she will be able to bring into her fall cc season, as well as the opportunity to meet new friends she may see at competition.This is the second year my daughter has attended the camp. She asked to come back, which tells us she clearly enjoys the experience and the staff and sees value in attending.
— Amy S., Parent 2017
-
I loved hiking up the mountain
The highlights for me were meeting new people, learning new techniques for running, and hiking up Garvin Height's mountain. I would suggest more food options for runners like pasta and meat choices and more down time to rest or hangout with friends would be nice. We were often rushed throughout the day to get where we needed.
— Gwen H., Camper 2017
-
My favorite running camp!
I enjoyed the running skill rotations that helped me learn how to prevent injuries . Also,I enjoyed the group sessions and evening talks because they helped explain how to improve my running in a lot of different ways. The coaches were really helpful and made everything fun. It was a really enjoyable camp and a great experience.
— Carly G., Camper 2017
-
Improve abilities
If you want to improve your Cross Country knowledge and your overall abilities as a runner you need to enroll in this camp.
— Paul N., Camper
-
Customized intensity of workouts
The counselors did a great job customizing the intensity of the workouts without making my child feel singled out.
— Jack O., Parent
-
Very informative
The instruction was very informative for me as a beginner. I learned a lot of things I haven't heard of before.
— Will S., Camper
-
Awesome instruction
Awesome instruction on proper running technique to decrease my workload and great pointers on proper warm-up -- lots of great info to share with our coach at home.
— Omar T., Camper
-
Fun environment
I had a very fun time, the staff created a fun environment to spend the week.
— Nick O., Camper
-
Small camp
The staff took great pride in their roles. This was a small camp and I like it better.
— Angela N., Camper
-
Great coaches
Good social interactions with everyone. Great coaches. Very motivating.
— Steven O., Camper
-
Amazing trails
My daughter loved this camp. The trails were amazing and the staff was super helpful and friendly. She also made a lot of like-minded friends.
— Jennifer P., Parent
-
Friendly environment
Nike Running Camps supports experienced runners as well as newer runners who may be just getting introduced to the sport. Coaches were very informative, location was great and there was lots of training. Friendly environment!
— Lauren H., Camper
-
Preferred more instruction instead of free time
We had a lot of free time and while I did enjoy the time to be able to hang out and get to know the other participants I would have preferred more instruction during some of that time.
— Landon W., Camper
-
Enhanced my love for running!
— Marco N., Camper
-
Energetic Staff
The staff was very energetic and truly wanted to see you improve and do your very best. I would highly recommend this camp for anyone that is serious about running in High School.
— Jackson D., Camper
-
Food wasn't great
The food wasn't great. My son is allergic to wheat and needs a gluten free diet. Most items that he saw out to choose from in the cafeteria were already on a wheat bun/bread. He wasn't sure if he could ask for something to be separate or if there were any gf bread options. Would have appreciated a bit more guidance for him. He ate a lot of french fries and apples. He was fine but has had better meal experiences at other camps. It is hard to be a shy 13 year old boy with food restrictions.
— Gretchen H., Parent
-
Great experience
Nike running camps are a great experience!! You meet people just like you, who are passionate about the same thing you are. Also you learn tons of info that will help you as an athlete.
— Isaac H., Camper
-
Explore the college campus
The camp is amazing! You get coaching from fantastic runners who will treat you as equals. You get to meet new, fun people and get to explore the campus of the college. You'd regret not going.
— Lexi S., Camper
-
Variety of topics addressed
It didn't strictly focus on the running, the camp also focused on other important topics that help with running like proper diet, stretching, weightlifting, etc.
— Marissa G., Camper
-
Had a blast
I was looking for camps to do this summer, just to do something fun before school. I came across the ussportscamps.com website somehow and saw that they ACTUALLY included running as a sport for camps. I immediately looked for one nearby and found Winona. Soon after, I talked to my dad about it, and he thought it was a great idea. I convinced a good buddy of mine to do it with me, and we had a blast. The camp was extremely informative and intense when it came to running, and I can say without a doubt I got my money's worth.
— Catherine C., Camper 2016
SECURE YOUR SPOT – CAMPS SELL OUT!
Last year over 650 Sports Camps sold out, leaving 7,000+ campers on the waitlist. Due to high demand, early registration for our first-come-first-serve camps is strongly recommended.